Family Scripture Study - by Beth

I don’t know who said it, but I love the promise given that if you will study the Book of Mormon together as a family it will fortify your children against the temptations and fiery darts of the devil. I have a testimony of family scripture study even in its most basic and simple form.
As a teenager I HATED my parents and family. They seemed so stupid and I seemed so smart [and grouchy] (ah, my teenage righteous indignation!). But when my brother, Cody, returned from his mission he established morning family scripture study. And I HATED it! I had to get up fifteen minutes earlier each morning and I certainly didn’t show forth a cheery attitude about it.
But I cannot deny how it softened my heart, despite my internal protests. While I tried to never show it, I began to love and appreciate this time spent in discussing the gospel in a way that seemed communal rather than didactic. A spirit of love infused our family relationships and I know it came from daily family scripture study.
A few months after we had been having family scripture study another brother, Wade, came home from his mission and I remember him noting the difference in our family, as well. “It’s like,” he said, “You all love each other now.”
From time to time I think about how family scripture study was one of the few ways my hardened heart would allow the Spirit to strengthen me. I’m so thankful for a humble brother who tried unterminably, day after day, to influence my siblings and I for good through this activity despite my bad attitude.
The Book of Mormon is true and it holds real power for our families!